I celebrated my birthday last month and it surprises some people to know that I just turned 37. It has a lot to do with my genes and how I treat my body – I drink a lot of water, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and take good care of my skin.
Although the look and feel of my skin are far from what it was in my 20s, I feel really good about my skin’s current condition. I’ve always taken steps to care for my skin and have taken it even more seriously within the past few years. I pay close attention to what my skin needs and treat it accordingly.
Throughout the years, I’ve learned that it’s much easier to prevent issues than correct them. These days, I focus on hydrating and anti-aging measures. My skin has always been on the dry side and even more so in the wintertime. I don’t have a lot of wrinkles, but do notice fine lines around my eyes.
Today I’m sharing my typical morning and nighttime skincare routine. It changes slightly day by day depending on what my skin needs. I’m definitely not an expert, but want to share what I personally enjoy and works for me. While I stick to products I love, I also enjoy looking for new products to add to my rotation.
After my routine, I listed everything in my rotation for you. It’s divided up into my favorite products I’ve used for 10+ years, new favorites I picked up this year, and other noteworthy items I use. The best part is that it includes a mix of both high-end and drugstore favorites. I hope that this guide helps as you navigate through all of the options out there!
Morning Routine
I usually rinse my face with warm water and will only use Fresh Soy Face Wash if I’m going to wear makeup to prevent product build-up.
- Colleen Rothschild Matcha Tea Treatment Toner
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
- Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizing Lotion – SPF 30
Nighttime Routine
- Fresh Soy Face Wash
- Colleen Rothschild Matcha Tea Treatment Toner
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
- Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
- Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
All-Time Favorite Skincare Products
Fresh Soy Face Wash $38 – 5.1 oz
I’ve tried a lot of face washes and this is by far my favorite. It’s extra gentle, non-drying, and leaves my skin feeling so fresh, soft, and clean. When cleansing, I always lather my face for about 60 seconds to allow the face wash to thoroughly clean my face.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence $99 – 2.5 oz
This is my absolute favorite product that I’ve been using for years. It moisturizes, softens, and brightens my skin while reducing dark spots and fine lines. It’s one of the pricier products I use, but definitely worth every penny. I’m a firm believer of the powerful nutrients of rice water. This miracle essence was derived from yeast strains of Japanese rice after scientists noticed how youthful looking the hands of the elderly Japanese sake brewers were.
After washing my face and applying toner, I add a small amount into one hand and press my palms together to distribute essence onto both hands. Then I gently pat it into my face and neck.
Tip: The best price per volume can be found at Costco for 11 oz value size for $300.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum $89 – 1 oz
I have fine lines under my eyes and this serum helps smooth them out. A tiny pump is all I need for both eyes. It glides on easily, absorbs quickly, and it’s not greasy or oily at all. Most eye creams give me milia (small white bumps) around my eyes. This one doesn’t and I can use it every night. I apply it after essence.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer $29 – 1.7 oz
This is the first retinol cream I’ve tried and loved. This stuff feels like silk and applies so smoothly while making my skin super soft. I’ve been using it for a year and I’ve seen such an improvement in the firmness of my skin and notice less fine lines. My skin looks better than it did in my early 30’s!
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that everyone can benefit from. It re-trains your skin cells to turnover at a faster rate and can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen.
It’s important to note that if you’re new to retinol, you need to slowly introduce it to your skin. First-time retinol users may experience dryness, redness, and peeling (like I did). After your skin builds a tolerance to retinol, you’ll start to see improvements. In my routine, I apply it after serums.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate $52 – 1 oz
I’ve been using this facial oil for years and love how supple and smooth it makes my skin. It’s not greasy at all and makes my skin more radiant and youthful. It also smells heavenly! It’s the last step in my nighttime routine because it helps seal all of the other products and moisture I applied to my face while preventing all of the hydration from evaporating.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution $7 – 1 oz
To exfoliate, I prefer doing weekly chemical peels over daily physical exfoliation because I find it more gentle and effective. A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone while lessening the appearance of fine wrinkles. This popular one does exactly what it’s supposed to do at an amazing price. You’ll notice results immediately, just make sure you follow the instructions and don’t leave it on for longer than 10 minutes.
New Favorite Skincare Products
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm $64 – 3.5 oz
This cleansing balm is amazing! The texture feels like butter, it just melts my makeup off, and a little goes a long way. It nourishes, cleanses, and hydrates – leaving my skin feeling extra soft. I also love the lavender scent. It’s a tad strong in the packaging, but is pleasant once you apply it to your face.
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules $25 – 30 ct
I was looking for an affordable serum and I decided on this one based on its amazing reviews. Each capsule contains just the right amount to massage into my face and neck. I love the texture and don’t find it oily at all once it’s absorbed into the skin. The next morning my skin feels very plump and lovely. I’m using it every other day after applying my essence.
Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer $18 – 1.7 oz
I just started using this product and can’t stop raving about it. This lightweight moisturizer is super hydrating and leaves my face feeling amazingly soft. It’s very similar to the belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, but is just a tad thicker and at half the price. I apply it after I use RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizing Lotion – SPF 30 $15 – 2.5 oz
This is the best lightweight moisturizer with SPF that I’ve ever tried. I love that it applies smoothly and absorbs quickly. It goes on clear with no white cast and doesn’t pill. In the winter, I prefer chemical sunscreen like this because it’s more moisturizing for my dry skin. In the summer, I switch to a physical or mineral sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for more protection. This is always the last step of my morning routine.
Other Noteworthy Products
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum $20 – 2 oz
Vitamin C is the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowy complexion while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This one is very effective and has brightened my skin and balanced my skin tone – all at an affordable price! It’s also very hydrating due to the hyaluronic acid in the formula. I apply it after essence in my morning routine.
Colleen Rothschild Matcha Tea Treatment Toner $32 – 6.8 oz
Long gone are harsh toners I used from high school. This gentle and hydrating toner helps to minimize the appearance of pores and creates a smoother-looking appearance. I love that it has ingredients like matcha, kombucha black, and Japanese green tea which are known for their antioxidant properties to detox and protect my skin. I apply it after washing my face.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence $90 – 3.5 oz
I discovered this product through a promotion and I really like it. I already love this brand for their iconic Pro-Collagen Marine collection and award winning anti-aging products. This formula is clinically proven to double the skin’s moisture content and contains nourishing blend of Padina Pavonica and Sea Spring Water. I’ve only been using it for a few weeks and am so impressed with how soft, supple, and hydrated my skin has become.
Since I already use and love the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I alternate between the two, and use this one at night after toner.
Pixi FortifEYE $24 – 60 ct
These patches are so hydrating and cooling for the area around my eyes. I love putting them on while I apply my makeup to energize my eyes and catch any eyeshadow fall out.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover $10 – 5.5 oz
When it comes to my eyes, I’m very careful not to excessively rub or tug my eye area to prevent wrinkles. This makeup remover glides easily with a cotton swab to remove my eyeshadow, waterproof eyeliner, and bottom lash mascara. I’ve been using this product since high school and find it to be just as effective as the Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.
Bella Lash Cleanser $8 – 0.5 oz
This special lash cleanser gently removes makeup, dirt, and oil while protecting my eyelash extensions. You just use a small dab and gently massage it into your lashes to prevent buildup, avoid bacteria growth, and extend the life of your lashes. This was recommended by my lash technician at Juna Beauty Salon in Philadelphia.
Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment $7 – 0.75 oz
This has been my go-to blemish cream since high school. I don’t break out often, but when I do, I dab a bit on and it typically goes away in 1-3 days. For more stubborn pimples, I layer on a thick coat and leave it on overnight. I always make sure to pack it with me on trips. It’s been a lifesaver countless times.
What are your favorite skincare products and brands? Let me know if you try any of these out and what you think!
